Good Bye 2012

This year had many great memories! I honestly think that since we got married every year has been a whirlwind! We had so much going on this year. When we entered this year we had a 5 month old, living in Fort Riley and great friends. We are ending this year with a 17 month old, living in Fort Bragg, with just us three. We wouldnt have it any other way.

We moved. We traveled. We had a Army Seperation for a few months, but we were together and thats what matters.

We are hoping that 2013 brings us to a post closer to home, a still healthy 2 year old, weight loss for me, better oppertunities for P, and maybe even another baby.

2012 its been real. Thanks :)

Be safe everyone! Happy New Years!!

3 years!

3 years ago today, I had only been engaged 5 days when I walked into a courthouse in my hometown and said "I Do" to my best friend in front of my family. Even though he had only proposed to me 5 days before we were definitly ready to be near eachother.

We Did It!!

the day after we got married.

 

I could not honestly be happier to have him be here for another Anniversary!

It makes up so much for him being gone on the 1st one, even if I had horrible morning sickness then.

 

P, your my love. Your my life. Thank you for giving me the chance to be a mother, and for standing by me. Your my rock. Without you, I would not be the same person.

Love always, Your Lizbeth.

 

The L Family Christmas

Well lets start with Christmas Eve. We decided to start a new tradtion this year with our family. On my side of the family, we aways opened PJ's on Christmas Eve, and on P's side he just got to open one present under the tree. Well because the wife ALWAYS knows better last year, our first together Christmas, we did the PJ's, which was fun. This year we decided to start movie nights for Christmas. We love to have movies nights so this just was made up a little different. Every year we will get PJ's, mugs, hot chocolate and a movie and just have a big picnic/sleepoverish thing in the living room and this year went quite well! We brought out Evelyn's couch and gave her a blanket and she pretty much sat in her couch. This year she got the movie Elf. P has never seen it, so it was fun to watch with him.

By the way, if you can see she has a Rudolph and Clarise :)

 

On Christmas morning, of course I was up early. I am such a kid, I was so excited to see Evelyn's face and see how she woud react to the presents under the tree. But I laid in bed and waited for Evelyn to wake up, but as soon as she was awake I shook P awake and started Christmas morning!

 

 Our tree looks so pretty this year, even with ordements only at the top.

 

Awake on Christmas morning!!

 

I have a few videos of Evelyn coming to check out her presents. Honestly I dont think she knew what to do because she wasnt heading for them, but wasnt totally freaked out.

As soon as she got into it...she really got into it!

 

Evelyn had a fantastic Christmas. She got puzzles, books, blanket, Cabbage Patch baby, Little People Princess Castle, Minnie Mouse ride-on toy, building blocks and of course an outfit!

 

P had a pretty good Christmas, the big gift I got him was all the Avenger movies! He never has any "man movies" and so I had been working on it for a few months buying him all the movies! He also got Assassins Creed 3!

 

I got what I needed more then anything...a stand mixer! But it wasnt just any stand mixer...it was THE stand mixer! Santa is pretty fantastic! All in All I would say we had a really great Christmas. Who knows what will be next year, so I'm glad this was such an amazing Christmas.

 

How was your Christmas? Any plans for New Years? 

**DISCLAIMER: I am sorry if me posting our presents offends anyone...its not ment to offend anyone, seeing as this is MY blog that my family at home reads, so I post for them just as much as my other audience. Don't take offence.**





Merry Christmas!!

I hope your all pretty much staying off the blogoosphere and enjoying some time with the family! I am entertaining my family and a single soldier today. Cant wait to read your posts about your Christmas!

Everyone who's loved one is deployed on this day, you and your SO's are in my thoughts and prayers. May they make it home safely!

5 Wishes!!

The lovley Jen over at The Adventures of Our Army Life tagged me in this post called 5 Wishes...pretty much what are my five wishes for the upcoming year. I am personally hoping 2013 is a big one for us, so I have many wishes but I'll limit them to 5 :)

1. To move closer to family: Its no secret we dont like living here at Fort Bragg, and with so many things going on with my side of the family I am definitly wishing I hadn't taken advantage of the time I had living in Kansas. 16 hour drive is way better then a 24 hour drive.

2. Lose my weight!: I have always struggled so bad with weight, and its always been a problem with the girls in my family. I have been told by my doctors not to get pregnant with baby #2 until I lose some weight since I have back problems (from big boobs), I would love to start trying for #2 towards the end of the 2013 so I have some time but the sooner I start the better!

3. Get better at saving!: Thats one of P's and I's main goal! We need to get better at it.

4. Do better at blogging: Its no secret on this either, I've struggled a little more since getting back from Utah. But I know the reason why I do struggle is because I have a toddler and my life cannot be set on blogging anymore.

5. Be a better cook and baker: I already rock at basics. I need to start making my own recipes! :)

I tag:
 Lacey @ Un-Laced
Jane @ Taingamala
Megan @ Butterfly Dreams N' Things
Jennie @ Our Family of Four
Bethanny @ Canines & Cadences

17 months?!?

I have not done a month update since Evelyn was 14 months old! I never thought I would be the Mom saying "oh she's so and so months old" after she turned one...but no you can tell shes not 2 and shes deffinitly not 1. She's ALMOST ONE AND A HALF! Can you freaking believe it?!?

Anyways since my last update, Evelyn slowed down alot on her talking. She is not interested in words anymore. Her doctor told us that its just fine, and I shouldnt worry. She babbles, she just has no intrest in making words.

Evelyn is also amazing at runnng, if she knows we are going somewhere she not allowed in by herself, she takes off running to catch up!

Evelyn has been learning her body parts too. She loves to show her "elly!" off. She lifts up her shirt and rubbs her tummy to show it. She's getting her nose down and toes as well.

Evelyn started to "pound it" we just gotta get her doing a "ka-pow!" with it!

Sadly Evelyn is totally back on her pacifier. We were done with it, and then she stopped sleeping and started crying, and I finally got to the point where I couldnt handle it anymore. I decided to wait till she is 2 to take it away. She still ONLY gets it at nap time.

She also is in love with her babys! I dont know if its a sign or what but she loves to hold her babies, feed them, and cuddle them.

Diapers-Size 3! Almost n 4's finally!

Clothes- Size 18 months!!

Sleep- Sleeping through the night, in her own bed. Has a few hard nights with her teeth that we will put her in our bed for a little bit.

Food- Back to being a vegitarian. But you'll almost eat anything else. You love your juice, milk and water!

Teeth- I think 9 with 4 coming in :)

Spur of the Moment.

Since P is now offically on Christmas Eve he has been begging me to go somewhere for his leave. We have been trying to be very careful with our money which hasn't been easy with Christmas, New Years and ou Anniversary in the same month. But something must have been in the air because P's Grandpa, who never talks to us, sent us money for Christmas. Say what? So we had money to go somewhere. We knew we were cutting it close, and probably going to have to dip a little but with all the crap going on this last year with P leaving for trainings for 3 months and having late work days all the time we decided a little mini vacation would be perfect.

P has been trying to talk me into going to DC for the last few months and I have always been a little off about it. I think I am off about it because Evelyn is so little, I want to do and see everything I can, and I just don't see her being good in a Museum right now.

I suggested going to Charleston, SC. If you dont know what Charleston is you shoul google it. Its one of the top 25 citys in the states to visit. Its beautiful and full of history! And since I am a sorta history buff that stuff is right up my alley!

So one day we booked everything and the next day we left! We stayed at the Charleston AFB because of how cheap it was...and if your an Army Wives fan...you know they film on the base! We ended up not visiting the locations but the Airplane Hanger was right across the street from our hotel!

Another place we had to visit was Boone Hall Plantation. You've seen The Notebok right? They filmed bit of it there! Its a beautiful place! I was glad to see it and so much history!! Although everytime they talk about slaves I get pretty sad.

Heres just some Photos from our little vacation!

The drive up to the Plantation.

It takes 100 years for these trees to get that tall and an extra 50 to get that arching

The Boone Hall Plantation

Evelyn was having a blast running around!

P and Evelyn checking out a tree.

Cool huh?

The Slave houses.

Sorry its blurry my phone camera sucks.

The Hanger from Army Wives...I was excited!



Questions for Christmas

Apperently my blogger decided to unfollow Taingamala, but I had seen a link up she did floating around...so even though I am like 2 weeks behind I decided to do it! I love these things!

When do you start decorating for Christmas?
I always start the weekend after Thanksgiving. One holidays decor goes down so the other one goes up! I love to live and breathe my holidays as long as I can.

Christmas attire, casual or dressy?

Casual! I cant stand being fancy for anything thats not super fancy. I love comfort!

 

Best gift you ever received?

My engament ring!! 3 years ago on Christmas! Cant you believe it?! I cant!

 

Worst gift you ever received?

I used to hate my moms gifts to me. She always bought me horrible clothes. Though they have the video of me when I am like 3 and I was a HUGE Little Mermaid fan, and my parents gave me The Jungle Book, I threw it to the side and walked away. What a brat I was!

 

Snow, love or hate?

LOVE and MISS!! I'm hoping next year I can have a white Christmas.

 

Favorite Christmas song? Least favorite?

Favorite: Christmas Eve/Sarajevo - Trans-Siberian Orchestra & Where are you Chritmas -Faith Hill

Least Favorite: The Little Dummer Boy....drives me freaking nuts!

 

Best Christmas movie? Worst?

Best: Elf, The Santa Clause, Frosty the Snowman.

Worst: The Little Drummer Boy...I'm mean.

 

Christmas tree, real or fake?

FAKE! One time payment and I'm done and it last longer and no clean up. My husband hates this but hey! I like not having to do more then I have to.

 

Do you have a favorite ornament?

No :( I wish I did. My mom go rid of all my old ones.

 

Family traditions?

Christmas PJ's on Christmas Eve! This year we are doing a movie night, crockpot hot chocolate, marshmallows, candy, junk food, and a movie!

Also we have a big family breakfast! and have lunch at Grandmas

 

The easiest and hardest people to buy gifts for?

I am the hardest to buy for. I buy what I want...so good luck getting me something.

Easiest...my sister cause she doesnt care.

 

Do you open presents Christmas Eve or Christmas?

Only open PJ's on Christmas Eve. Everything else is opened on Christmas.

 

Clear or colored lights?

I love Clear! But Colored looks awesome on the outside of the house.

 

Travel or stay home?

Stay home. But I wish I was going home this year!

 

Themed or homey decorations?

Homey decor! I like themed trees and such, but most of my stuff has been given to me by family members. I like the idea of passing this stuff onto Evelyn one day.

Whos excited for Christmas?

ME ME ME!! I dont think I have ever had such a calm Christmas experience as I have this year. I finished the majority of Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving! Everything since then has been odd's and ends, stocking stuffers, and just good deals I find that I know my family will love! I'll admit I didnt even care if I got anything, but my husband reminded me if I keep spending money on him and Ev that he would be able to get me anything. Oooh...right!

I'm pretty bummed we are having another year not around family, but ya know, you gotta do what you gotta do. I live 2,000+ miles away from my family, so its just unrealistic to do it. Crossing my fingers for next year but you know I am up for another family Christmas!

We originally had plans to just have it be us 3 for Christmas. But P has a single soldier who cant go home this year, so he has been invited to come over after our Christmas morning. I cant let someone be alone on Christmas! Plus I have a feast to plan and the more the merrier! Every holiday since we moved here has involved someone being here for the morning and through everything, while I dont mind it so much, sometimes its a bummer. But at least I'll get Christmas morning with just my family and then have this soldier come over.

What are your plans for Christmas this year?

Evie meeintg Santa

We took Evelyn to meet Santa on the 1st...and of course I am just getting around to posting about it.

P needed to go Christmas shopping for me, so it was really the perfect time to head to the Mall and see him, then seperate and meet for lunch. We got there at 10 when Santa was to appear and of course there was already a line! So we got in and waited...I'll tell you right now...I wish I had my stroller because Evelyn was sick of us holding her after 10 minutes.

When she first saw Santa she just smiled and was all good with it. Then a lady came to take Evelyn to Santa and Evelyn of course jumped right into her arms...because the girl has no stranger danger at all! But as soon as she started walking towards Santa, Evelyn was climbing over her shoulders trying to get out of there. So we just decided to get in the picture with her.

She looks much happier right?

 

 

A little update.

Since my blogging has been so up in the air I decided to give you all an update on how things in the L. household are latley.

Lets start with P. Since I last updated about him, he has going through Airborne school, or had just finished. Either way P had his first jump at Fort Bragg a few weeks ago! Since I didnt go to his Airborne Graduation I couldnt wait to watch him jump here. When I got the chance I went and boy am I glad I did. Its the coolest thing ever to see them jump! I could have watched all day!

Its kinda hard to see but he is jumper #11

 

Other then that he has been getting off early all day this week. Super shocking!! I never though I'd see the day. He takes Christmas leave on Monday and we cant wait to have him home for a long period of time, and it will definitly be nice to show him that I do not sit around all day again.

 

 

Now for Evie. She's doing fanstastic! We are working really hard on her speach and pointing out body parts...so far she loves to show her Belly...or in her words "ebby!". Shes still learning Toes but when I ask her to say Toes she says "ooes". So we're getting it! She is also learning her name...but since I think saying Evelyn is a little complex for her right now we have been saying "E" or "Eeee!! Me Eee!!" in her words.

She also loves to color! She's always on her doodle pad, or pointing to her crayons. We have works of art all over our fridge and her walls.

 

 

Oh and me...I am doing pretty good. I finally got my hair dyed back to its natural color, and I'm loving it. I do miss the blonde highlights but maybe some other time I'll put them back in. I have been working on getting myself onto a schedule so I can start a workout routine. I usually go off of Evelyns schedule, and while that works most days, most days I'll forget I have to clean and keep up on housework, then it will be 3 weeks later and I have so much to do in one day. So for now on I'll be taking an hour or two out of the day where Evelyn is behind the gate in her room with her music and I'll be cleaning or even just taking time to myself to read/write/blog whatever I want.

Its very typical of me to get caught up in the roles I play and lose myself. I dont want to look back in 40 years and say I was an amazing Mom and an amazing Wife, but I was not an amazing me. It will take time to balence it, but I'm going to do it. If Evelyn ever wants to be a stay at home mom I want to give her advice on stuff I actually did and stuggled with being a SAHM.

One thing I have been fond of latley is my crafting and heres just a few things I have done over the last few weeks...

 

I'm pretty proud of myself when I see these things!

 

 







Back and Forth.

Things have finally started to settle down here in my household. I am not crying all the time or grieving the loss of my friend. I've started getting some closure on his death, after talking to his Grandmother, and sending her a letter with memories of him in it.

I didnt think I would ever take a death this hard ever again. After you lose a sibling, losing Grandparents or anything such as that seems more like it there time. then super sad. Of course I am always sad and grieve the losses of my Grandparents who have passed, but I have always known they lived a full healthy life. But this friend was a different grief, reminded me alot of how I felt when I lost my sister. Your just so sad that a young life was lost.

Enough about my grief. I am dealing with it, and I really am glad he found the peace he has been searching for.

I have lots of things going through my brain and latley have no way of putting it out into my blogosphere. I have been finding other ways to put out feelings and such by painting and crafting. If you follow me on Instagram you've seen the photos. I am sorry I cannot show you them, Blogger apperently isnt a an of me anymore and I am going to hopefully switch to WP soon.

If you have suggestions on how to do it please let me know :)

I have started my Christmas Menu and my New Years menu and my Anniversary menu! I get way excited early! But this is a magical time of year! Although Halloween is my favorite holiday, this time of the year is filled with some much love, and joy!

Anyone got any great things coming up this month as well?

Oh! Well Hello There!

Hey ya'll! Sorry I havent posted anything...this week has sure been a busy, horrible, sad, terrifying week for me, and to be honest I just havent given a damn about blogging.

To start this week it was pretty ok...nothing bad really. P had field training for a few days but latley that seems normal. The night before P went away I woke up for some reason in the middle of the night, and had an urge to look at my phone, when I learned a good friend of mine had taken his life.

Now I am not going into detail about how great of friends we were, for a while we had a great relationship, I could probably call him a best friend at one point in my life. He helped me get through a deep dark depression I was in, that he was also in too. I'm so sad that he couldnt find his light in life, and I know he was greeted by his mother in heaven. However, still I am shaken up and sad about this loss. I probably havent talked to him in about 2 years, but this doesnt make the loss any lighter on my heart. I know all to well what he had been going through, and I know how it feels to want to end it all. I can only hope he found the peace he was looking for.

Because P left for the field the morning I found out, I was alone for 2 days. I took bubble baths and wrote his Grandmother a letter. But I couldnt really get out of my funk of being sad for him and his family. I'm glad my mother has decided to go to the funeral, she was friends with his grandmother. I wish I could go too.

I'm having another hard go right now...not sure how I feel about some things but I can only hope it will get better.

I feel bad that I havent been such a hands on Mom with Evelyn the last couple of days, but she doesnt seem to mind. Usually she's pretty happy to just listen to music and watch a little TV, but I did manage to get her crafting/coloring with me.

But of course I cant show you because blogger is a POS.

Anyways...so I do have a review coming up...and hopefully I'll be out of this funk soon. :)

Thanksgiving Weekend.

**I would have posted pictures but blogger sucks! **

I have had busy couple of days! No kidding. We had 3 extra people in this house this weekend. One was P's friend from California, one was P's friends from Fort Riley, and the day after Thanksgiving one of my Best Friends from Fort Riley flew in to surprise her husband. We pulled the surprise off it was pretty cool!

So then all weekend it was entertaining and making dinners and a little bit of shopping. It was pretty fun!

I'm so glad my friend Cassie flew in with her little baby boy. You'll never guess who wanted to hold him all the time....Evelyn!! She reached for him and she'd pet his head, she stole his binky, she gave him toys. She was so cute! I thought having a baby here would make me less baby hungry, but seeing Evelyn like that was just too cute for words! Oh how I wish it was the perfect time.

I'll admit I dreaded this weekend because P and I would be doing pretty much everything, which ment much MULAH! I hate spending money on other people that can be ungratful. But everyone was offering us gas money, cleaning their messes so it really made it so much nicer and easier on P and I...but I am so glad that we wont be inviting anyone for Christmas, it will be nice to have it be just us 3 on Christmas morning. Seems like we share so many holidays with other friends latley, and we're ready to be alone.

**I'm also sorry I'm posting this 5 days late...photos wouldnt upload and I finally gave up, but it was a wonderful weekend**

 

Why we can't wait to leave Ft Bragg..

I really thought I would never say that.

Before we got here...before we even knew we were moving here, I wanted to come here. This was my dream duty station. I have always wanted to come to the Carolinas, and see this beautiful place. To live here would be a dream.

I really do like living here. I enjoy being near the coast, all the trees and the beautiful sunsets.

However, this post has seemed to have its major downsides.

Now I am not speaking for everyone, or even this whole post. Fort Bragg might be the place for certain people. I honestly sometimes wonder if Fort Riley just spoiled us...but that being said, P and I cannot wait to get the eff out of here.

I used to hate when P would say "I cant wait to move!!" But no, I get it now.

P is constantly working late...and I mean late hours. Sometimes he leaves at 5 AM and wont be home til 7PM and then he'll come home and tell me he was so busy he didnt even get to eat all day. Seriously who does that? Maybe its in his control, I do not know I am not at work with him, all I know is he is sick of it.

I am getting sick of it too. He comes home, late or not, and his phone goes off constantly, he goes to bed at 8 or 9 and at least 4 times a week someone calls at 10 to change something else. Its getting rather ridiculious.

I understand that this is his job, and I "signed up for this too", but really? some days he gets zero time with Evelyn. I don't care if you say "the army comes before families", this is bullshit. I can handle getting only a few hours a day with him. I can text him and interact with him some how. Evelyn, gets that 1 or 2 hours a day with him and its not fair.

I've mentioned before that I am not 100% sure if P is reenlisting or if he is going to get out. We still have 6 months to decide. But we do know if he is able to get out of Fort Bragg...we are going to do it. Hopefully get stationed somewhere closer to home. Until then...I guess we just got to buck up and deal with this type of work he is doing. But I honestly cannot wait for it to be over.


BTW...dont give me comments about how "at least he is home"..."my husbands deployed be glad yours is"...I've done deployments..I know the difference. My thoughts dont change.

Woman Connect 12 -Who Is Liz?

Im linking up with Mrs to Mama on this fabulous day! What  better way to connect with more writters. Click this link to join.

So here we go!

Hi I am Liz/Elizabeth/Lizzie...most people just call me Liz.

 

That man in that photo making the goofy face. Thats my husband...in this blog I call him P/hubby/hubberkins/hubs you know the works.

This little girl...this is our daughter Evelyn. She's 16 months old and the light of our lives.

I am a stay at home mommy and an Army Wife. I am a Utah Native, I love my homestate but I would never know that until I left. I have done 2 deployments with my husband and we have been together 4 years and married for almost 3...say what? Yes its true. I am the middle child out of 6 siblings! I am an Auntie to 3 boys and 1 girl!
My husband is Airborne Field Artillery and has been in the US Army for over 6 years! We have had the pleasure of meeting and living in Kansas and this last year moved over to North Carolina, and we are hoping to leave NC as soon as possible! Nothing against the South...just a little far away from home.

But really other then the basics this is who I am.

I am funny. I know I am...its hard to not think I am not funny when I always make people laugh. Its a big joy in my life to make people laugh. But you wont see me as a stand-up comic anytime soon because I am shy..being in front of crowds terrifies me. As well as, Car crashes, heights and cockroaches.

People think I am nuts for not liking to work...but I am grateful the Army does pay my husband enough that we can afford for me to stay home with Evelyn. I very much enjoy raising her and taking care of my own home.

I stuggle with weight loss....I am at the heaviest I have ever been and I blame deployments and pregnancy on that. Why cant diets and exersice work for me...I dont know if its me not trying hard enough...thats probably it since I like fast results and when I do see results its like....ok?

I compare myself to too many other Mom's out there..why cant I afford to be like this or that? how can they be all carefree and I cant? How can they be raisng their child so well when I feel like I stuggle with doing the right things with Evelyn sometimes?

If you stopped by let me know in the comments so I can follow you. Happy Tuesday everyone!

Our Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving at our house was a hit! I was in the kitchen all day and I loved it! The boys are here and they will be here till Sunday, and its not been as bad as I thought it would be.

I dont have much to write because I do have something I got to do...which is probably going to cause no post on Monday...I'll explain later. But heres just a few photos :)

Evelyns little outfit...she actually really does love this hat.

She loves the Pine Needles all over the place! Shes just watching the boys play Football.

I think this might be my favorite picture!

Our spread!!

Evelyn actually didnt like anything but her green bean cassarole.

Little stinker!



Thanksgiving Menu!

I'm so thrilled for Thanksgiving. Last year for some reason we didnt hardly make anything from scratch....it will be different this year! I am making everything from scratch.

First for Breakfast we are having Pumpkin French Toast Bake! I have been loving doing all these breakfast's for holidays! So one more pumpkin breakfast for us...5? yes 5 people this year.

For appitizers we have having Jalapenos stuffed with Cream Cheese and wrapped in bacon, a Sweet Pumpkin Dip, and Oysters, Cheese and Crackers (that last one is P's request...I dont get it)

I am doing a brine for the turkey, just oranges, lemons, salt, chicken broth, ice and probably a bunch of other things I have in the pantry.

We are also having Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, I love homemade mashed potatoes! I'm so excited for this!
I've never even made Frenchs Green Bean Casserole so another excitment!
I got one request from all the men (3) who are coming tomorrow and its for Candied Yams. I am not too sure how I feel about it... I've never had it..but ehh I'll do it.
Also I'm just doing cresent rolls.

For desert we are having Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cakes.. my Dad made this like 6 years and its now a Thanksgiving request in my house, and it my belly!! Its by far my favorite!!


Thats my menu for the day tomorrow! Whats on your menu?

Stressgiving.

Is what this holiday should be called.

I am one of those types of people who over-react, over think, and then cry because I cant help it. Yeah...Its largely pathetic but its who I have always been.

I wouldnt normal worry about this Holiday but this year is very different. This year one of our friends from Fort Riley is at Fort Jackson, SC doing recruiter school, so we have asked him if he wanted to come up for Thanksgiving...at this time we thought he had a car, but he actually doesnt. So we have to drive the 3 hours there and back to get him and take him back a few days later. Not too big of a deal, but then P invited another friend who lives 2 hours away in the opposite direction that we would have to pick up and take back...so I automatically see $$$ adding up.

Luckily P's friend thats still in NC bought a bus ticket to come here, which makes life just a tad bit easier on our end!

This year we also have a special guest showing up to surprise her husband the day after Thanksgiving that I am also going to have to drive to pick up. I'm excited to surprise her husband, since they have a 7 week old baby and he has only had a week with the baby so it will be way fun.

I've been going through all my stresss emotions with this Holiday and I am just so glad that its not Christmas, and we are inviting no one for Christmas.

But can I mention that the thought of Black Friday stresses me out?! I only need 3 more gifts....well technially just one but I'd like to do 3 more, and I am going to do my Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping ONLINE cause I am not brave enough to go to the store. But It stresses me out with all the money being spent of gas, and then a little shopping needing to happen.

Hopefully, hopefully, hopefully I am overreacting and its going to turn out fine. I stress out way too easy.

Married To The Army...My thoughts.

I know there has been a ton of wives upset, mad, excited, nervous, you name it alot of wives felt it about this show. I like to give things the benifit of the doubt.

My reaction to the show was clearly...Ehh. I liked it, and I understand that series premires are kinda of lame. I do however like that they showed the real personalities of the wives right away. No guessing who is the worst, who I'm going to like less. Nope it was clear who I wasnt going to like from the beginning.

Lindsay. I have my own opinion on her, but I felt like she was very disrespectful. All of us wives met our husbands in some way or another, no shame in saying how you met them. Everyone wishes and hopes that they met there love in some magical Cinderella way....well that doesnt always happen. No shame in it. Lindsay had no right to tell someone that they cant be proud of how they met their husband. Now thats been said and thats all I'm saying.

I am really excited to learn about the wives, and see the challenges they face. I hope this show shines some light on what we all really go through. I dont concider what I do as a Military Spouse as a job, or a way to serve my country. I serve my husband and I stand by my man. But one of my biggest hopes for this show is to show people that the show "Army Wives" is not realistic, even if I do love the show. That what we go through really freaking sucks and is not some wonderful fairy tale. Hopefully this show will show the world how much our soldiers and their families go through.

What was your reaction to the show?

When you feel done..

I've wrote before about P's and mines feelings about re-enlisting. His window opens in May, and for the most part we have been ready to re-enlist, move away from Ft. Bragg (he hates it here), and start a new adventure. But yesterday our minds started to change.

Obviously we have a while before we have the option to make anything offical, but it still crosses my mind on a daily basis.

Yesterday I had an appointment with a dental surgeon to get my wisdom teeth looked at..and no surprise with lack of sleep and lots of other things on my mind, I totally forgot and missed my appointment. They called me and rescheduled for another day and I picked a day that P said he usually is good with coming home for a bit. As soon as I told him he reminded me this week will be busy and he has a jump this week, so it wont. I'll admit that I still get super annoyed and act a little teenagerish when I get upset. So I went into Evelyns room (where she was), and procedded to tweet some frustrations and I'll admit I cried a bit.

P had no idea I was crying or upset, but thats because I dont like him to see me cry. So he came in to talk to me, saw me upset and we procedded to talk. I admitted how frustrating it can be to not have family around and friends that stay home to baby-sit. I know I can register Evelyn for hourly care, but everytime I bring it up with P he says "ya lets do it", and thats all that happens.

After a while I finally just said..."Lets get out"...and he said "Ya? Seriously?" and I said "Serious as a heartattack."

I am not sure how we really are going to make the decision to get out. Getting out scares me, but my parents have offered us the basement in their house until we can buy a house and get jobs, which is fantastic. So I'm not worried, my old job in Utah has been offered back to me anytime we come back to Utah, and with P being a Veteran, it shouldnt be too bad to find a job for him. Especially since he is concidering becoming a Cop.

We have our options, but P is 100% sure on one thing, we are moving away from Ft. Bragg ASAP.

Who knows what the decision will be, but latley I feel done. I love this life and living in so many cool places, but honestly, living near family always seems more appealing.

Evelyns Christmas List..

This year for Christmas, Evelyn is going to get much more involved...I'm hoping. I know she'll be all over tearing up presents and seeing the toys. I just hope she'll move on to another present needng to be opened before throwing a tempertatrum trying to get the one toy she already unwrapped.

I started Christmas shopping early this year. Last year I did alot of black friday shopping, but I decided to do it earlier and slower and I am glad I did. I got plenty of things on clearance and it was much nicer on my bank account.

This year we have been looking at these things.

The Minnie Mouse Ride on Toy which can be found on Amazon. We bough it already from Toys R Us for way cheaper and got $10 off of it!

The Princess Shopping Cart. Evelyn loves her toys that she can walk around the house such as, the rocking horse ad her walker. This would be fun for her to have even if she doesnt use it for "shopping" and just uses it to bring out her toys. This will be on sale on Black Friday and I will be buying it :)

If you dont know what Melissa & Doug is, its a company that makes wood puzzles. My little sister uses them for therapy, and I have always loved them! We got Evelyn 4 puzzles this year from Amazon and Toys R Us.

This Princess Tent I really love! I have been wanting to buy Evelyn a fort for a while. I am not sure she'd be very interested in it too muh right now, so I doubt I'll be buying it unless I see an amazing deal, but I love the thought of her having her own tower. Maybe for her Birthday.

The Minnie Mouse Bow-Tique Flipping Fun Kitchen...We plan of re-doing Evelyns room when she gets into her Toddler bed, and it will be Minnie Mouse/Princess themed. Can you tell her Mom is a Disney freak? None the less Evelyn loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse so this Minnie Kitchen would be perfect! However...probably not this year. Maybe her Birthday. She's already got lots of big toys, and Even though she's in a bigger room, I'd like to get rid of the smaller toys before I buy bigger things.

 

 

Thats Evelyn's Christmas Wish List! I'm sure Santa will spoil her rotten!

 



While P is away...

Us girls are at play!!

P is in the field for the next few days. But no complaining from me here. I am perfectly happy with having plenty of girl time. So far its not bad.

I had to put Evelyn in her first ever time out. And by time out I mean, her in her room and the gate up while I calmed down from my freaked out self. (she unplugged something and almost got the cord in her mouth) Call me an over reactor if you want, but I am terrified of everything. No joke. Having a child made me think everything is a devil object out to hurt my baby.

But Evelyn and I got the chance to have a girls night. We went and got her some Chocolate Milk, and rented movies at Redbox. We got One for the Money, The Hunger Games (because I still dont own it and I'm craving it), What to Expect When Your Expecting, Magic Mike and Katy Perry movie. No worries...Evelyn will not be watching Magic Mike with me....I'll be watching that with a bottle of Moscato.

The bad thing about P being gone, is our bed is so big, it makes me uncomfortable to sleep in alone...so usually I end up on the couch waking up every hour seeing how much time I have to sleep. You know you've done it!

What do you like to do when the husband is away for a short period of time?

Christmas Liz-t

Haha I am cleaver. Did you catch on?

Anyways. I am a die hard bargin shopper. I shop sales, I shop them often, its also often a down fall on my bank account. But that being said this is my dream list...I do not at all expect to get whats on here...but I am dreaming and wishing and hoping and praying :)


1. Hot Pink KitchenAid Mixer
Why? Because its every girls dream, and also I have been baking and cooking my ass off all year hoping and wishing for this. I'd love to have a stand mixer at least! But this is my dream.

Source

 

2. I'm dying for a Ruby ring.

Why? Evelyn was born in July, so her birthstone is a Ruby. Red is also my favorite color! P got me a beautiful Ruby heart necklace last year, and Evelyn broke the chain on it. I haven worn alot of necklaces latley since then. But a ring, I would wear everyday, just like my wedding ring. This one is the fantasy!

source

 

 

3. Baking Sheets

Why? I have had one baking sheet since I got married. I have been baking alot more this year, my current baking pan looks sad. So a baking pan is not such a big deal. It would be nice to get at least one more :)

 



source

 

 

4. Gift Cards!

Why? Because I would rather have a day to myself to shop and buy what I want then have people buy it for me. What can I say...I'm an adult :) (BTW if family or P is reading this I'm talking, Old Navy, Target, JC Penny, Bed Bath and Beyond, Bath and Body Works.)



 

5. Hair Cut/Dye

Why? I havent got my hair cut or dyed since January. Yepp. Freaking not my cup of tea. My roots are grown bad. I dont mind the longer hair, but the roots are driving me nuts!!

 

 

And that is my list!!

 

Whats on your musts for Christmas ths year?







Why I Couldnt Vote.

NO...do not come on this blog prepared to give me crap. I have a VERY VERY GOOD reason why I couldnt vote.

If you followed me on Twitter (@lizsdiary), you saw me tweet though debates, and struggle with my decision on who to vote for.

4 years ago I was registered and voted in Utah for the 1st time, and I concidered myself a well informed voter.

When I got married turned 21, my licence expired and I had to get a new one in Kansas, at this time I didnt know I could keep my licence from Utah even if it was expired. So the DMV asked me if I wanted to unregister to vote, and I said yes. Not because I dont want to vote, but because I had just voted, and I knew I could register to vote again. Little did I know!

I do not have a North Carolina licence. So technically I am concidered a Kansas resident, so registering to vote in NC wasn't an option. A few people gave me the link on where to register to vote for my absentee ballot, and I did. I even got my card in the mail saying I was registered to vote!

My absentee ballot.....never came.

I kept thinking I needed to call the office in KS to find out what was going on, but I had life going on too.

Sadly this ended with my not being able to vote. I'm very bummed.

I am telling you now, I do not care if you dont vote. Honestly, I think thats your right as an American to not vote, or to vote. I do however think if you chose to not use your voice by voting, you do not have a right to complain about what happens in the next 4 years.

I am bummed to not have voted. I will not reveal who I was going to vote for, and I still struggled with knowing if that was who I really thought I liked, but to be honest this election is like cake and pie, one canidate is cake and one is pie. You cannot compare them. Its hard to decide.

If you got to vote today. I think you are amazing!

If you didnt, I hope that one day you will decide to vote.

God Bless America :)

I love you guys.

I can't believe how many of you wrote on my last blog post and offered me comforting words and said how much you loved my honesty!

It made a huge difference in my weekend if you can believe it or not.

I am very much a homebody and I have a really hard time going out by myself and making friends, which is not the best quality for a military wife on the move to have. But I went out for a few hours and left the baby at home with P and had lots of time to think about blogging, make a Christmas list, and just be me.

I feel refreshed!!

I have some blog ideas, but today isnt going to be a big one. Infact this post is about to end. But I couldnt not say thank you to you all who have been so nice and understanding to me.

You guys are the best!!

Much love!!

Its Ok...

I know there is an "Its OK Thursday"..or Tuesday...but this blog has been on my mind for a while...and I dont care too much to link up or find who hosts it. So I am just gonna write it.

Its Ok for me to be baby hungry. I have been for a month, but its not the right time, and it kills me to wait.

Its Ok to not want to wait. I really wish we were at that time to be ready...but we're not.

It Ok to miss my little baby Evelyn. She is very much a toddler now, and I denied it for a long time. But doing a 16 month check up, it has finally opened my eyes to my little toddler. I'm beyond blessed to be her mommy, and I enjoy an deeply love every hug, every cuddle, and every laughing moment we have together.

It Ok to be deathly scared of another deployment. I am a military wife after all. But the thought of a deployment terrifies me! No deployment has been scheduled, but P's 12 month mark has come and gone...so deployment #3 could happen...but I am praying so hard that it doesnt.

Its Ok to be furious with P sometimes. Sometimes I really honestly want to punch the man in the face. Then I remember he is a guy and needs to be told to do things...but really P would it kill you to change a diaper once in a while? Or even to put your dirty knife in the dishwasher.

Its Ok for me to be annoying it happens. I want to go home in May for my Grandmothers 80th birthday party, and instead of getting a "We'll See"...I get a "NO!" like really? not even think about it?! He does this with everything. It annoys me!

Its Ok to not have time to blog or read blogs. My life is filling up fast, and I am trying. I am a horrible commenter. I have been a horrible writter. I dont want my blog to diminish into cyber space, I love blogging. But if all I can write is 2-3 posts a week then thats what I can do.

Its Ok for us to have a small Christmas, its not in our budget to have a big one. Its just not gonna happen, no way no how. But I am grateful to be able to have one when most can't.

That felt much better.

Happy Halloween!!

From our little Fairy!

 

Love,

Liz, P and Evelyn.

 

 

 

Sorry the pictures suck...you know she's one...not a model.